Mission, Kan. (May 15, 2018) — Support Kansas City has announced the winners of its prestigious Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Awards. The 2018 awards were granted to FIRE Foundation for an agency with a budget of $1 million or less, MOCSA for agency with a budget greater than $1 million, and Harvesters for agency with a budget greater than $10 million.

“Our winners not only exemplify strong leadership, but they also work in the front lines to meet the needs of those with disabilities, those who might go hungry, and those who have suffered trauma at the hands of others,” said Debra Box, President and CEO of Support Kansas City. “This year’s speaker is Virginia Eubanks, author of Automating Inequality: How High-Tech Tools Profile, Police and Punish the Poor. This book makes a bold statement about not letting those we serve be reduced to data but to continue to elevate them to the same level of humanity we extend to our own family and friends – something our award winners champion every day. We are honored to recognize them in this way.”

FIRE Foundation opens the doors of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph to children with disabilities so that learners of all abilities have the opportunity to grow together in knowledge, friendship and faith. “The FIRE Foundation is truly honored and grateful to be selected for this prestigious award,” said Lynn Hire, executive director. “FIRE’s success in expanding and strengthening inclusive Catholic education is a reflection of the great passion, talent and determination that our Board of Directors, staff and volunteers invest daily in our special mission.”

“In our 43 years serving as the only rape crisis center in the metro area, we have continually worked to advocate for, support, and help survivors of sexual violence heal,” said Ann Abercrombie, MOSCA Board Chair. “MOCSA is a nationally recognized leader in its field due to the professional and dedicated work of our staff and the thoughtful partnership between our board and executive leadership. Since 2015, we have also prioritized our efforts toward the prevention of sexual violence. This year, the #MeToo movement elevated this issue for us all; in turn, we have risen to the challenge, helping to lead the response for our community. We thank you for honoring our work with this prestigious award.”

“Harvesters is pleased to receive a 2018 Excellence in Nonprofit Leadership Award from Support Kansas City,” said Valerie Nicholson-Watson, Harvesters President & CEO. “Operational excellence is a priority for our organization and is one of four main imperatives in our strategic plan. Focus and commitment by our board and staff to this goal creates efficiency and allows Harvesters to feed more hungry families and seniors in our community.”

The event also showcases collaboration among the nonprofit sector through Support Kansas City’s event partners that participated in the award application review process including: KC SourceLink, Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), UMKC Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership, and event sponsors.

Support Kansas City provides nonprofit organizations with business and development expertise, empowering them to focus on their missions. For more information visit www.supportkc.org.

Support KC

OUR MISSION

To provide nonprofit organizations with business and development expertise, empowering them to focus on their missions.

OUR VISION

A high performing, sustainable nonprofit community.

Support Kansas City, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and a 509(a)3 supporting organization.